Reel Time: The land of shining water

Noontootla is a word derived from the language of the Cherokee Nation in northeastern Georgia. The translation, “land of shining waters,” perfectly describes Noontootla...

Reel Time: Shifting seasons 

I admit, it’s been a subtle shift from summer into fall, but even if the weather doesn’t reflect it, the shorter days and cooling...

Reel Time: Vote for water and land

I have been blessed to live on a barrier island in Manatee County since 1980. I was drawn to the area by family but...

Reel Time: Sarasota Bay Watch releases clams

Sarasota Bay Watch conducted its first post-COVID-19 clam release on Saturday, Sept. 26. SBW board members and volunteers gathered at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron...

Reel Time: Fred and the fish-eating squirrel

Most of Bradenton was asleep and dreaming when I pulled up to the locked gate that barred access to Jiggs Landing on the shore...

Rusty Chinnis

Rusty Chinnis is an avid fly fisherman, a photojournalist and a retired building contractor in addition to being a passionate defender of the local environment's importance to the health and economy of the area. A 42-year resident of Longboat Key and Manatee County, he is chairman of the board of Suncoast Waterkeeper, a founder and former co-chairman of the Sister Keys Conservancy, and founder and chairman emeritus of Sarasota Bay Watch in addition to being The Sun's Outdoors columnist. Email